Learn more about dementia this month

Councillor Michael O'Donnell

Published:15:16Monday 09 September 2013

A series of activities and events are taking place in East Dunbartonshire to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month and East Dunbartonshire Council’s convener of social work, Councillor Michael O’Donnell, is keen to raise awareness of the support that is available for those experiencing or caring for someone with the condition.

He said: “We have a well-established Dementia Network in East Dunbartonshire that carries out excellent, innovative work to raise awareness of dementia and provide information and support to those who are concerned about the condition.

“During World Alzheimer’s Month we have a programme of activities from dementia clinics and workshops through to participation in a Connecting Generations Day with the Equality Engagement Group, which will bring older and younger people together and identify the mutual benefits of these connections.”

Activities taking place include a Dementia Advisory Service launch at the Kirkintilloch Community Hub on Monday, September 16, from 9.30am to 12pm, and a Dementia Seminar in McGregor House auditorium, Kirkintilloch, on Wednesday 18, from 6pm-8pm.

There will also be a Connecting Generations event, including Dementia Clinic, on Thursday, September 26, at Woodhill Evangelical Church, Bishopbriggs, at 10.30am.

A free bus service will run from Kirkintilloch throughout the day. For details contact Linda McKenna on 0141 578 8337.

And on Friday, September 27, there will be a De Cafe in Kirkintilloch Baptist Church from 1.30pm-3pm.

The Dementia Network is also developing resources to raise awareness of dementia in businesses in the area, to help them better understand customers who may have the condition.

Councillor O’Donnell told the Herald: “I’d encourage everyone with an interest in finding out more about dementia and the support available to come along to one of the events taking place.

“We’ll be launching further resources throughout the month to continue to raise awareness of dementia and highlight the help and support that is available.”